Hatchery Creek

This snowshoe route located off of Highway 2 just west of Leavenworth is the best of both worlds. Whether you prefer mountain vistas or alpine lakes, the Hatchery Creek snowshoe trail can deliver both. Named for a now abandoned fish hatchery, the route primarily follows Forest Service roads, but the views are worth it.

The trailhead is located 8.6 miles west of Leavenworth, right next to the sign for the Tumwater campgrounds. Park your car out of sight, but not out of earshot from Highway 2, and start the hike right away. About halfway up the mountain trail, look for a turnoff for a bonus small lake trail. This little trial is easy to miss, so keep your map with you. This short hike to a pristine alpine lake is well worth the detour, just be sure to stay off the ice if you're unsure about its stability.

After the small lake detour, continue to the top of the snowshoe trail, where you'll encounter the summer trailhead for the Hatchery Creek Trail. Snow in this area can be prone to heavy avalanches, so if you made it this far, and the Northwest Avalanche Center is issuing warnings, it's a good spot to turn around. If the avalanche conditions allow for it, continue as far as you like, expecting to lose the trail and welcome even grander views of the entire Wenatchee River Valley. 

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:

Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz

Men's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket

Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX

Men's • $431-475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry

Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack 

35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible

Standard Fit • $189.95-199.95 • Mammut | Amazon | Backcountry

Small Fit • $199.95 • Mammut | Amazon

Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket

Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem

Men's and Women's • $179

Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole 

Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.

$79.95 • Black Diamond | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves

Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX

Men's • $99.95-181.63 • The North Face | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $99.95-100.00 • The North Face | Backcountry

Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot

Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated

Men's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry

Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter 

Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant

Men's • $41.32-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $49.95-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI